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The sculpture is a profile relief of Benjamin Franklin, showing his side profile and distinctive facial features, wearing a fur cap. It is made of bronze-colored metal, giving it a robust appearance. The relief is set within a circular medallion with a hanging loop at the top. The words "B. FRANKLIN AMERICAIN" are inscribed around the outer edge of the medallion. The relief is detailed, with intricate texture on the fur cap and Franklin's hair.
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The sculpture is a profile relief of Benjamin Franklin, showing his side profile and distinctive facial features, wearing a fur cap. It is made of bronze-colored metal, giving it a robust appearance. The relief is set within a circular medallion with a hanging loop at the top. The words "B. FRANKLIN AMERICAIN" are inscribed around the outer edge of the medallion. The relief is detailed, with intricate texture on the fur cap and Franklin's hair.

National Gallery of Art · Sculpture

Benjamin Franklin, 1706-1790, Diplomat and Statesman

after Giovanni Battista Nini

Date
model 1777, cast probably 19th century
Medium
bronze
Dimensions
overall (diameter): 12.13 cm (4 3/4 in.)
Classification
Sculpture · Medal/Medallion
Accession number
2015.29.2
Credit line
The McNeil Americana Collection
Time span
1776 to 1800
Department
CSD
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • bust facing left
  • portrait
  • cast
  • Acquired after publication of Medals
  • Franklin, Benjamin
Provenance

Robert L. McNeil, Jr. [1915-2010], Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania; his estate; gift 2015 from the McNeil Americana Collection to NGA.

NGA object ID 199204. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.